Kiwi Experience has announced the launch of Classic Tours, a new tour option designed for young travellers visiting New Zealand for shorter, more structured trips.
The long-running youth travel operator, which has been running bus tours around Aotearoa since 1989, says the new tours reflect changing travel habits among younger visitors, particularly Gen Z.
Classic Tours include transport and accommodation in a single upfront price, with travellers able to add optional activities along the way. The model is aimed at those with limited time in the country who still want a social, guided travel experience.
Kiwi Experience general manager Lucy Haslam said youth travel had shifted significantly over the past decade.
“After more than three decades on the road, we know youth travel better than anyone. We’ve listened to our guests, seen how much its changing, and adapted to their evolving travel style,” Haslam said.
“A decade ago, young travellers came to New Zealand on working-holiday visas, Lonely Planet in hand, staying for months — sometimes years — and truly living the country like a local.
“But that landscape has evolved. Armed now with smartphones and social media, today’s travellers plan differently.
“With fewer working-holiday visas available and rising travel costs, they’re spending less time here – but they’re making every moment count, seeking connection, convenience and memorable experiences. They want travel that’s authentic, social and shareable, yet still organised, transparent and great value. Classic Tours delivers exactly that — freedom with a plan and a set cost.”
The launch marks Kiwi Experience’s first major new product since before the Covid-19 pandemic. The tours operate on an established national circuit and can be customised through an online trip planner, allowing travellers to add activities ranging from adventure sports to cultural experiences.
Haslam said the tours were designed to reduce the planning burden for travellers while still offering flexibility.
“This generation still wants adventure – hand in hand with flexibility,” she said, “but they also want to know what’s included, what it costs and that it’s all organised. That means they can spend their spare money on the experiences that fill their cup – and we’re here for that.
“We like to think of it as the ‘Would-you-like-fries-with-that?’ of adventure travel. Everything’s sorted upfront, but you can add as much as you like to make it your own. Travellers walk away with full hearts, lifelong memories and friends, as well as TikTok-worthy moments from every stop.
“The shift from long stays to shorter, experience-packed trips has driven growing demand for tours that offer more inclusions and less admin.”
According to Haslam, booking patterns have also changed, with many travellers planning trips closer to their departure date.
“We’re seeing travellers booking their trips just a few months out, and with living costs rising, they want price certainty and value built in. Classic Tours deliver all of that — without losing the social energy and adventure Kiwi Experience is famous for.”
Kiwi Experience currently operates nationwide routes stopping in both major centres and smaller destinations, including Paihia, Rotorua, Waitomo, Westport, Tekapo and Mahinapua. The company says it has welcomed more than 500,000 youth travellers over its 36 years of operation.
Haslam said the scale of the operation allows for frequent departures and broad coverage across the country.
“We’re running multiple departures every week — giving travellers far greater choice and access to every corner of the country, from Paihia, Rotorua and Waitomo to Westport, Tekapo and the iconic Mahinapua Pub.
“No one else in the youth-travel market can match our scale, network, value or experience. This is Kiwi Experience evolving with the needs of travellers — offering the best of both worlds: adventure and assurance.”
Bookings for Classic Tours are now open, with departures scheduled from October through to April.
